You can find the full ComSciConCAN program here (please note that this is not the final version and is subject to change). Below you can find a description of many ComSciConCAN panels, workshops and activities.

Panel Discussions:

ComSciConCAN will feature twor exciting panel discussions revolving around different aspects of science communication. Each panel will have four experts who will introduce themselves, give you some background on who they are and what they do, and will answer some preset questions developed by ComSciConCAN organizers. The floor will then be opened up for an interactive discussion where participants will be able to ask organizers their own questions. Descriptions of the two panels are below.

Multimedia Science Communication and Journalism:

Science communication is no longer just the health column in the local newspaper. For the modern science communicator there is no limit to the breadth or number of people that can be engaged with due to the development of technology. This panel will bring together journalists, storytellers and scientists with media experience to discuss science communication through different outlet modalities (print, radio, TV, social media, visualization, ect.) and how to optimize different media formats to share knowledge with diverse audiences. They will also explore the challenges of communicating science in the era of oversaturated misinformation. 

Speakers: Prof. Sarah Everts, Julia Krolik, Dr. Christopher Labos and Shelley Wiart

Communicating through Policy and Activism:

As scientists, many of us find ourselves in a position where we must be able to communicate key research findings to those responsible for making political and policy decisions. In addition, we may even want to leverage primary research to take on advocacy roles, help shape how different levels of government view and utilize scientific research, and foster relationships with different stakeholders in the public. This panel will bring together experts with experience in science policy, those who use science to influence policy choices, as well as those who engage in activism and advocacy work around key issues. 

Speakers: Dr. Jessica Kolopenuk, Dr. Kimberly Girling, Madison Rilling Dr. Mona Nemer (to be confimed)

Workshops:

To reinforce concepts discussed in panels, we are working to plan several hands on workshops that will involved a deeper exploration of topics discussed. These workshops will be run by experienced science communication experts. Workshops include:
 

Capitalizing on social media to engage diverse audiences with STEM (Samantha Yammine):

During this workshop Dr. Yammine will give a brief overview of social media as an effective tool for science engagement. This will include a review of published research on engaging broad audiences with science content on social media and perceptions within academia on its use. Participants will learn how to select a social media platform for varying audiences and be given tips and tools on how to curate content. A hands on activity on less used platforms (i.e., TikTok and Instagram) will challenge participants in groups to create content about ComSciConCAN 2020 and receive peer review feedback.

Using Podcasts To Amplify Accessible STEM (Rackeb Tesfaye):

An important goal of this workshop is to give attendees opportunities to practice communicating their science through different mediums. Podcasts offer a way to engage diverse audiences on-the-go. But writing for and producing podcasts is a craft. The topics and language must be carefully considered and delivered clearly and concisely. Through this workshop, attendees will reimagine their own science in audio form and will be given technical tips and resources to start podcasting. 

Creative Storytelling (Abber Siddiqui):

We love to learn through stories, and science is full of exciting narratives. Narratives relating to discovery, failure and personal growth help to bring people inside the process of science and humanize scientists in the process. In this workshop, attendees will explore ways to weave narrative elements into their science communication activities. They identify ways to connect with diverse audiences through universal themes and explore the power of various storytelling strategies in engaging audiences and boosting their affinity for science.

The Science Behind Science Communication (Diane Dechief & Katie Moisse):

Research contributions to the field of science communication are increasing rapidly. However, there remains a sparsity of evidence-based literature and programming. This workshop will expose participants to theoretical frameworks and recently published research that will provide a scope of the field. An overview of the state of science communication and public engagement from a Canadian context will also be emphasized. Participants will then have a chance to put newly learned theories into practice, including reviewing case studies on the ongoing spread of misinformation (e.g., coronavirus) and applying their knowledge of effective communication strategies to their own research, which will be reviewed by their peers in an interview based activity.
 

Extras:

Write-a-thon (plus expert review)

e-poster session